Banana Skin Match In Skopje In Prospect As Skipper Wins War Of The Strained Groin

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has been passed fit for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia in Skopje tonightKeane, who suffered a groin injury during a training session on Thursday, will partner Simon Cox in attack, after completing a full session in the sweltering Skopje heat yesterday evening.

Darren O’Dea starts in defence along with Stephen Kelly, John O’Shea and Kevin Kilbane. The line-up includes a midfield quartet of Aiden McGeady, Stephen Hunt, Glenn Whelan and Keith Andrews, which should provide flair and steel in equal measure against traditionally tricky opponents.

West Brom striker Cox earned his first Republic caps in last week’s Nations Cup wins over Northern Ireland and Scotland. Veteran cap centurion Kevin Kilbane returns to face Macedonia, despite impressive displays on the left by Stephen Ward. O’Shea switches to central defence and Kelly fills the right-back spot. The Republic will be aiming to stay in contention in Group B by earning a positive result in Skopje.

They, like group leaders Slovakia and Russia in second, have collected 10 points from their five games to date, the last three of them against the Macedonians in Dublin in March. strong position to stake their claim for a place in the finals. Richard Dunne is suspended for the Macedonia clash while injured quartet Darron Gibson, Damien Duff, Kevin Doyle and James McCarthy are unavailable as are Jonathan Walters, Anthony Stokes and Kieren Westwood.

Slovakia entertain minnows Andorra on with the Russians hosting Armenia, who train the top three by just two points.

Republic of Ireland: Shay Given, Stephen Kelly, Darren O’Dea, John O’Shea, Kevin Kilbane, Aiden McGeady, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Stephen Hunt, Robbie Keane, Simon Cox.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: